HOUSTON -- Striking Houston-area janitors protested in downtown Houston on Friday, but it was much calmer than a protest the day before that shut down a busy Galleria intersection and ended in arrests, KPRC Local 2 reported.

The janitors tried a different tactic in an effort to get the cleaning companies to negotiate with them.

The strikers chanted and held signs outside the Hilton Americas Houston Hotel, located at 1600 Lamar Street, as a delegation of labor organizers and religious leaders went inside seeking a meeting with developer Gerald Hines.

The meeting did not happen.

"We handed our cards off to him and we're waiting for a reply, and none came," said Sam Duning, a union supporter.

It's the first time the striking janitors have tried to talk directly with a building owner, which is another sign that the strike is escalating.

On Thursday, 12 strikers were arrested after blocking traffic outside the Galleria at Westheimer Road and Post Oak Boulevard.

About 1,700 janitors belonging to the Service Employees International Union are targeting five local cleaning companies. They want health benefits and a salary increase from the current $5.30 an hour to $8.50.

"The people who has the power to bring this to an end can do it -- can use the power. Corporations that hire the service companies can do that," said Ian Urlarte of Concia Church.

Janitors went on strike 11 days ago. Despite daily demonstrations, the management companies are still not negotiating with them.

The janitors were organized by the union last year. A win in Houston would be a significant victory nationally.

There are concerns now of a protracted strike as both sides appear to be digging in.

No one was arrested at Friday's protest.

The pickets are expected back out Friday evening at Shell Plaza in downtown Houston.

Janitors are protesting in other cities, too, including Chicago and Los Angeles.

The cleaning companies said the strike has not affected their businesses because enough janitors are crossing the picket line.